Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • 100 Things to Know about the Unknown

    Harper Collins Australia June 2023 by Alex Frith  Jerome Martin  Alice James  Tom Mumbray  Lan Cook  Micaela Tapsell Illustrated by Federico Mariani Dominique Byron Shaw Nielsen This is very much the type of book my nerdy child-self loved, and which so many children still love. Jam-packed with fascinating facts that are wildly diverse in nature, and, like a box of chocolates, that one can…

  • Before the Beginning – Anna Morgan

    Hachette SEP 29, 2020 | 9780734419651 | RRP $19.99 In a tweet when I mentioned I was reading this – and reading WAY past my bedtime because I was so engrossed – Anna Morgan replied “This book will disturb your sleep schedule” is an excellent review! Well all I can say is that it definitely will!!! Right from the…

  • When This Bell Rings – Allison Rushby

    Walker Books Australia ISBN: 9781760651947Imprint: Walker Books AustraliaRelease Date: September 2, 2020Australian RRP: $17.99New Zealand RRP: $19.99 I have many fans of Allison’s books – The Mulberry Tree, The Turnkey and The Seven Keys – who have already been pouncing on this latest of the author’s mysteries. Once again the narrative takes the reader into an almost recognisable parallel world…

  • Murder Most Unladylike #8: Top Marks for Murder – Robin Stevens

    Penguin August 2019 ISBN: 9780241348383 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $16.99 Yes there are seven previous books but this series has been somewhat of a ‘sleeper’ in my library. Now, however, due to the enthusiasm of several devoted fans it is steadily growing in its popularity. I know that this newest volume will be avidly sought after and the reservation…

  • Love Lie Repeat – Catherine Greer

    Penguin 9780143791225 March 5, 2019 $19.99 I’ve mentioned before that I have in recent times been somewhat disenchanted with many of the YA novels that have come my way. There have been a few exceptions. This one, debut novel and all, is an absolute corker! Annie and her ‘island girls’ (the kind you take with…

  • Shadow of the Centaurs- Saviour Pirotta

    Bloomsbury January 2019   ISBN: 9781472940254 Imprint: Bloomsbury Education RRP: $14.99 This is the fourth in this series but my first foray into the ancient world of scribe Nico and his slave friend Thrax who have become somewhat adept in solving most peculiar mysteries but it certainly won’t be the last. I loved the unravelling…

  • Wakestone Hall (Stella Montgomery #3) – Judith Rossell

    Harper Collins Australia ISBN: 9780733338205 ISBN 10: 0733338208 Imprint: ABC Books – AU On Sale: 22/10/2018 List Price: 24.99 AUD   I’m so very sad – not because the book was disappointing you understand but because I am going to miss Stella a lot *sad face*. I suspect I won’t be the only one. I know many young, and not…

  • Clementine Rose and the Bake-Off Dilemma [#14] – Jacqueline Harvey

    Penguin Random House 9780143780595 December 3, 2018 Random House Australia Children’s RRP: $14.99 Clemmie is back with not only a new adventure but also some new and exciting family news! Penberthy House is busier than ever now that Lady Clarissa and Drew are married, which means that Clemmie has a new step-brother in Will. Also…

  • The Chocolate Factory Ghost – David O’Connell

    Bloomsbury ISBN: 9781408887066 ISBN-10: 1408887061 Series: The Dundoodle Mysteries Published: 1st May 2018 Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing RRP; $12.99 Archie McBudge has lucky underpants. He knows he does because he and his mum have just discovered that Archie has inherited a huge mansion, a famous sweets factory and more from his Great-Uncle Archibald. What makes this even more astonishing is that…

  • Missing – Sue Whiting

    Walker Books Australia ISBN: 9781760650032 Imprint: Walker Books Australia March 1, 2018 Australian RRP: $17.99 New Zealand RRP: $19.99 Right from the get-go this novel is full on with its action, mystery and poignancy. Thirteen year old Mackenzie is at a difficult time in her life leaving primary school and off to a private girls’ high school away from…